What is the difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Question

Vivian Aronson · Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis primarily occurs in plants, photosynthetic bacteria and algae. Respiration occurs in animals. Remember that these are both cellular processes and as such happen in individual cells.

Photosynthesis The balanced equations for photosynthesis is #6CO_2 + 12H_2O rightarrow C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2 + 6H_2O# This biochemical process is vital for pretty much all flora and fauna. Photosynthesis changes elements and compounds into nutrients.Without this process most food chains and ecosystems would collapse. Sometimes photosynthesis is thought of as an anabolic process. Respiration The balanced equation for cellular respiration is #C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2 → 6CO_2 + 6 H_2O + ATP#(energy) This is the fundamental process by which organisms obtain energy from foodstuffs. It is of two types: anaerobic and aerobic. Aeroboic respiration produces more energy and is more efficient.

Penelope Adams · Answer

undefined The key distinction is the direction of energy flow: photosynthesis uses light energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose and other organic molecules to produce energy in the form of ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Green plants, algae, and some bacteria use photosynthesis to convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen using chlorophyll.